How can you lower pool alkalinity from 240 to 100 in a very short time? Like a day?

Question

My pool is a 15' across, aprox. 5' deep. Intex vinyl, metal frame. From Big!Lots. The current alkalinity level is 240 and we need it down to acceptable levels. Preferably in less than 2-3 days. Our pH balance is fine, and our chlorine levels are perfect, so I only need to reduce the alkalinity. If there is any "fast" way to do this we really need to know. We couldn't find anything helpful with Google, Wikipedia, or Yahoo! Search. Thanks for your time!

Answer 1

There is absolutely no such thing as a short-time fix for this problem.  Short of emptying and refilling the pool, I suppose.  With TA that high you probably need to call in a pool professional.

The way we would deal with that in a public pool is through a very slow process. Acid, either liquid or dry, is added to the deepest part of the pool with the filter off. The acid is only added a little at a time, diluting it before pouring it into the pool. Then you have to wait 3 days between applications. It could take days or even weeks to reduce the TA if it is very high. You really should consult a pool professional with that high a TA.  By now the water is likely quite cloudy and it must be almost impossible to bring the pool into any kind of pH balance.  Normal range for TA is 80 to 120 or so.

Double check your test kit's reagents and make sure they are not out of date.  Also make sure you do not contaminate your water samples by touching the water with your fingers or hands.  You may be getting a false high reading.  If your water is clear and your pH is good (7.4 to 7.8) that could be the problem.  If your chlorine and pH is good, plus the water is clear, then the alkalinity of the water is NOT a health hazard in and of itself so there is no need to over-react to it.